Lawsuit Against Secret Service Over DEI Rules

The United States Secret Service (USSS) is facing a lawsuit due to its implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules. This development comes in the aftermath of the unsuccessful attempts to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

Details of the Lawsuit

The Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) has filed a lawsuit against the USSS, challenging the agency's use of what they term as "arbitrary" diversity requirements. The group argues that these rules are detrimental to women. May Mailman, a spokeswoman for the IWF, stated, “In our country, it is illegal for the government to discriminate on the basis of sex. That is the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. But also Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sex. And yet you have the Secret Service, of all agencies, saying that they want to have a 30% female quota.”

Current Workforce Composition

At present, women represent 24% of the USSS workforce. This falls short of the “30×30” pledge that several law enforcement agencies have committed to, promising to increase their workforce to a minimum of 30% women.

Former Director's Role

Kimberly Cheatle, the former Director of the Secret Service, faced widespread criticism for her leadership and the multiple security lapses that led to the first attempt on President Trump's life on July 13th, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Following numerous congressional hearings and calls for her resignation, she stepped down on July 23rd, ten days after the attempt. Deputy Director Ronald Rowe has since assumed the role of Acting Director.

Reasons for Opposition

Mailman explained her opposition to the 30% policy, arguing that it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex. She also noted that such discrimination is particularly dangerous in the Secret Service and especially harmful to women.

Blame on Women

Mailman continued, “As we all remember, when the pictures of that day came out, it was immediately like these women are all cops, and they can’t find their holster. All of the blame seems to be on women, including Kim Cheatle, all the way down. That’s what happens when you have quota systems.” Criticism was particularly directed at the few female agents who were part of President Trump’s detail on the day of the assassination attempt. Several women were noticeably overweight, with one seen hiding behind other agents and President Trump immediately after the shots were fired. Another agent visibly struggled to re-holster her weapon as President Trump was being escorted into a vehicle to be taken to the hospital.

Bottom Line

The lawsuit against the USSS raises important questions about the implementation of diversity and inclusion rules in law enforcement agencies. It highlights the potential pitfalls of quota systems and the need for a balanced approach that respects both diversity and individual capabilities. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.